June/July/August 2024 including TLAW Agenda for lunchtime meeting August 15th
General Business: Taupo Lakes and Waterways (TLAW) have undergone a review of our strategic directions and completed our reporting to TDC on the last of three rounds of Community Partnership funding. We plan to apply for further funding when applications open next month.
A spring series of presentations is currently in progress and we will let you know about these as soon as they are finalised.
Of note, Aquatic Biosecurity is of concern to our group, and we are planning to co-host a forum on this in November at REAP with specific presentations on the Freshwater Gold Clam issue.
TLAW understand that a Containment Trial is currently underway but no long-term solution is available for this threat to our waterways.
See also Freshwater Gold Clams
6th August interview with MPI's director of pest management John Walsh
https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/pests-and-threats/freshwater-pests/gold-clams/
Statutory Processes: Paul White gave TLAW’s oral submission to the TDC Long Term Plan this month.
Science Update: As above - TLAW are currently in communicatuion with NIWA and MPI about cohosting an Aquatic Biosecurity forum in November with a focus on Freshwater Gold Clam threat to our waterways.
Appendix: LWAG agenda
Download Agenda & scroll down here for LWAG activities/updates & community participation opportunities:
STATUTORY PROCESS UPDATE, COMMUNICATION
July/August 2024 (Recent updates highlighted)
TAUPŌ DISTRICT COUNCIL:
DISTRICT PLAN REVIEW 2019 - 2022 – PC 40 Taupo Town Centre (& 43) Decision signed off at TDC’s May 28 meeting which Laurie attended. Appeals circulated.
TDC LONG TERM PLAN 2024-34 –
https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/council/consultation/draft-long-term-plan-2024-34 Paul gave oral submission.
TDC CLIMATE CHANGE – ADOPTION OF EMISSIONS REDUCTION TARGETS & DIRECTIVE –https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/council/news?item=id:2j9n4bu5v1cxbyyqa0tf
NUKUHAU PRIVE PLAN CHANGE – Became operative in June 2023 (after appeal issues resolved) In line with the recommendations, TDC is looking into the control gates bridge as part of the Annual Plan process. Alongside this, no development within the plan change area can progress until an appropriate solution to dealing with infrastructure including increased wastewater is addressed.
LOCHVIEWS ESTATE LTD SUBDIVISION APPLICATION (STAGE 1) – Lodged July 2021 for 111 residential lots above Acacia Bay. WW now proposed to be stored and fed incrementally into system at off peak times i.e. reticulated. Louise Wood is processing consent which is currently on hold awaiting the applicants addressing of further geotechnical concerns raised by peer-reviewed engineering report (TDC). The land is zoned residential so decision on level of notification of development yet to be made. LWAG interest passed onto Louise to keep updated once the information in. No update from the waters team as at this stage we are not involved in the consent process, will need to discuss with our planners.
TURANGI WWTP – Consent Renewal lodged November 2017. LWAG commented re; options. Processing by WRC deferred pending steering group progression. Steering group including John Williamson, TDC staff, Tuwharetoa MTB and local iwi External project manager contracted re; overseeing steering group process. TDC are looking at land disposal options and are likely to some direction from Council on this in the new year. Currently reviewing specific potential sites for land disposal. A carbon dosing system now installed. TDC are seeing good results with reduction in the amount of nitrogen discharged after commissioning of the carbon dosing system. Interim consent may be required due to delay in disposal site decision. WRC are now processing our consent for discharge at the current site as this discharge will continue for some time regardless of the long-term direction. Council decision over a potential land disposal system is yet to be made and development of the land disposal option continues.
MANGAKINO – TDC is including upgrade of WWTP for N removal in new consent application and the planned upgrade will allow for future growth. Consultation complete and now finalizing conditions, expect WRC to issue consent imminently.
ATIAMURI: Wastewater Discharge Consent now granted. Upgrade scheduled by June 2026.
VIEW ROAD: Expanding View Rd site by 60/70 ha irrigation infrastructure.
System now operational 68Ha of irrigation installed.
TDC DRINKING WATER UPGRADES: Kinloch WTP construction has started.
Atiamuri and Waihaha water supply UV projects underway.
Omori/Hatepe/Motuoapa/Centennial to follow.
Acacia Bay now connected to the Taupo scheme.
COMPOSTABLE WASTE MINIMISATION INITIATIVE: MYNOKE support circular economy processes for Taupō businesses and institutions. (N.B. MYNOKE are currently contracted take TDC wastewater sludge to turn into vermicast.) For more info se: https://sustainable.org.nz/people/ and https://www.mynoke.co.nz/
TE KAUPAPA KAITIAKI ~ TAUPŌ CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN: Te Kōpu ā Kānapanapa, a co-governance body with membership from Te Kotahitanga o Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Waikato Regional Council and Taupō District Council, is developing a management plan (Te Kaupapa Kaitaki) for the Taupō Catchment that seeks to protect, restore and enhance its environmental, cultural and spiritual health for current and future generations. The vision for the Taupō Catchment as set out in the Ngāti Tūwharetoa Claims Settlement Act 2018 is ‘for a healthy Taupō Catchment that is capable of sustaining the whole community and that is managed in a manner that reflects Ngāti Tūwharetoa tikanga’. More about the Plan: https://www.tekaupapakaitiaki.co.nz/te-kaupapa-kaitiaki/For Te Kōpu ā Kānapanapa agendas: Te Kōpu ā Kānapanapa Co-Governance Committee agendas and minutes | Waikato Regional Council
Film: Te Kopu a Kanapanapa / Te Piringa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IY5MUieaRNg
Next Co governance meeting September 30, 2024
ENVIRONMENT WAIKATO:
WRC’s FRESHWATER POLICY REVIEW – Over the next two years, changes to be made to Waikato Regional Policy Statement (RPS) and Waikato Regional Plan. Further information: www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/freshwater-policy-review
PC1 HEALTHY RIVERS/WAI ORA: Waikato Regional Council has notified the decisions version of its groundbreaking Healthy Rivers/Wai Ora plan change. The decisions documents are available on Waikato Regional Council’s website www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/healthyrivers. The decisions version of proposed Plan Change 1 has been appealed by a number of parties. In August 2021, the Government released the findings of a review of Overseer. The review identified shortcomings in Overseer’s modelling approach.
LAKE TAUPŌ CATCHMENT COMMITTEE: LWAG received an invitation to participate in a reformed Lake Taupō and Upper Waikato Zone Committee process as a community representative. No further meetings planned.
LAKE TAUPŌ PROTECTION TRUST The trust settlors (the Crown, Waikato Regional Council, and Taupō District Council), agreed that Taupō District Council would retain and become the sole trustee of the Lake Taupō Protection Trust. This decision allowed the efficient transfer of functions and responsibilities without losing the gains associated with the trust such as reputation, landowner relationships, and administration processes. https://protectinglaketaupo.nz/the-trust/
WRC CHAPTER 3.10 REVIEW: WRC has separated the review of Variation 5 (now called Chapter 3.10) into 2 stages - stage 1 relates to the Overseer version issue and stage 2 will target all other matters. Regional Council currently investigating implications of the NPS and NES Freshwater on the Waikato Regional Plan. Through that process, parts of the plan that need to be changed will be identified – those changes are likely to include further changes to the Taupo Chapter. The requirement is to notify changes no later than 2024. That means working towards changes will occur in next couple of years.
WRC PLAN CHANGE 2: TAUPŌ OVERSEER VERSION: The plan change was made operative on Monday 12 October 2020. More information on the plan change including the operative plan change document is now on the plan change website https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/council/policy-and-plans/rules-and-regulation/taupo-overseer/
N.B. Plantain now in OverseerFM as a pasture type on pastoral and cut and carry blocks
WRC CLIMATE CHANGE ROADMAP EMISSIONS MAN. & REDUCTION PLAN: Council approved its Climate Action Roadmap to guide internal activities, budget planning and opportunities to work with iwi partners and key stakeholders for a climate-resilient Waikato. The roadmap provides nine evidence-based pathways the council will take to respond to the impact of council actions on the climate and the implications of a changing climate on council activities including a proposal to help accelerate the uptake of low emission vehicles in the Waikato region. https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/assets/WRC/WRC-2019/Climate-Roadmap.pdf
LAKE TAUPŌ PROTECTION PROJECT ‘Te wai, te iwi Protecting Lake Taupō’ – publication http://www.protectinglaketaupo.nz/ (scroll down to video and click play) n.b. Hard copies available from Jane.
WRC LAKE TAUPO’S WATER QUALITY DATA
“WATER QUALITY OF LAKE TAUPŌ & ITS CATCHMENT 1973-2020” – comprehensive report being developed by Bill Vant & John Hadfield – available here: Water quality of Lake Taupō and its catchment to 2020 (waikatoregion.govt.nz)
https://www.lakesandwaterwaystaupo.org.nz/monthly-reports-2022/julyaugust-2022-inclduing-august-18th-agenda Follow link. Deep buoy site info here: https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/environment/natural-resources/water/lakes/lake-taupo/lake-taupos-water-quality/ WRC’s monitoring of Lake Taupō’s open water quality shows the lake continues to be of high quality, clear and low in nutrients. However, increasing nitrate levels in the bottom waters of the lake could lead to increases in algae, which can reduce clarity. WRC measures Secchi depth at their open water sampling site to monitor Lake Taupō's water clarity over time. They also collect water samples in the top 10 metres of the lake at this site to measure chlorophyll a, total phosphorus and total nitrogen. The online table gives their average chlorophyll a values for the period 1994 to 2020.
NIWA buoy WRC have contracted Dr Piet Verburg from NIWA to undertake a study using the monitoring buoy data from Lake Taupo. This study will focus on evaporation from the lake, and how this changes over the time the buoy has been in place.
Water quality for human contact recreation: Waikato Regional Council now measures bacteria levels (E. coli) in the water at five sites around the edge of Lake Taupō annually. E. coli bacteria is a useful indicator of the health risk for human contact recreation activities, such as swimming or water skiing.
Algal bloom reporting: scroll down to Lake Taupo on this WRC site:
https://waikatoregion.govt.nz/environment/natural-resources/water/rivers/waikato-river/algal-blooms/
GOVERNMENT
MfE Fast-Track Approvals Bill – LWAG submitted on this. Currently with the select committee - report back due 18 October 2024 - Report back on the Fast-track Approvals Bill (Environment Committee). Note this date has changed; it was previously 5 September.
MfE NPS Freshwater The requirement to notify new regional freshwater plans by the end of 2024 at the latest has been extended to the end of 2027. Select committee report back - 30 September 2024 (Primary Production Committee).
WATER DONE WELL (Formerly 3 Waters): Framework and the transitional arrangement for the new water services system pending. (See more below)
CLIMATE CHANGE RESPONSE (ZERO CARBON) AMMENDMENT ACT– The Government has taken agriculture out of the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) and will establish a new Pastoral Sector Group to constructively tackle biogenic methane. (Beehive media release June 2024)
ALSO: The government said it would introduce legislation (before the end of 2024) to remove a ban on offshore petroleum exploration to attract investment to the country's oil and gas sector.
2nd EMISSION REDUCTION PLAN CONSULTATION consultation on New Zealand’s second emissions reduction plan opened on 18 July 2024 comments due by 21 August 2024. (See more below)
New climate strategy released
On 10 July 2024, the Government released its climate change strategy ‘Responding to a changing climate’, setting out its approach to how it will deliver on New Zealand’s climate goals.
The strategy is focused on five pillars:
· Infrastructure is resilient and communities are well prepared
· Credible markets support the climate transition
· Clean energy is abundant and affordable
· World-leading climate innovation boosts the economy
· Nature-based solutions address climate change.
“Our Government has committed to meeting our climate change targets - reducing net emissions is one of the nine Government targets to achieve better results from the public service.” Climate Change Minister Simon Watts said.
While the climate strategy outlines the Government’s overall approach to the climate response, the second emissions reduction plan will form the basis of the Government’s response to reduce New Zealand’s emissions in line with our targets.
Climate Change Commission delivers first emissions reduction monitoring report 30th July 2024
Ref also: The Climate Change Commission's first emissions reduction monitoring report says our plans and policies need to be urgently strengthened to meet climate targets. Commissioner Rod Carr spoke to Corin Dann.
MFE: NZ’S GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY:1990-2020 https://environment.govt.nz/publications/new-zealands-greenhouse-gas-inventory-1990-2020/
SEE ALSO: ‘ACTION ON AGRICULTURAL EMISSIONS’ update: https://www.mfe.govt.nz/consultation/action-agricultural-emissionS
IPCC — Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change – February 2022:
https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/
Summary for Policy Makers: https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_WGI_SPM.pdf
See further international media commentary below
For James Renwick & Paul White February presentation to LWAG (including predictions relating to NZ) see minutes attached. Recording available email: janehadiadup@hotmail.com
DoC – NIWA DoC park weather site: https://weather.niwa.co.nz/parks
LAWA (Land, Air, Water, Aotearoa) reports on nation-wide water quality results https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/swimming
MERCURY ENERGY LAKE LEVEL LINK
https://www.mercury.co.nz/lakelevels
Scroll down to select ‘Long term’ or ‘Short term’ & hover curser over lake level lines for specific info including current level
RURAL UPDATE
SCIENCE
William Anaru – Te Arawa Rotorua re: Gold Clam information request (LWAG) contacts received NIWA/MPI
Cawthron Institute – Taupō water quality science
NIWA & MPI scientists re; Aquatic Biosecurity/gold clam forum November
SCIENCE INFORMATION
Oxygen levels in lakes dropping rapidly, including Taupo - June 2021 – (For more information ref: ‘Latest News section LWAG website) www.lakesandwaterwaystaupo.org.nz
Acacia Bay water temperature live data is published on the LAWA staging site.
Please find link here: http://lawa.staging.iteffect.co.nz/explore-data/waikato-region/lakes/lake-taupo/
LERNZ Lake Ecosystem Restoration New Zealand “Linking lake restoration research with end users to achieve outcomes”. Please see the ‘our people’ section of this website (http://www.lernz.co.nz/people) and the University of Waikato website (http://sci.waikato.ac.nz/about-us/school-of-science/staff) www.lernz.co.nz
WRC Lake Taupō Water Quality Monitoring: Water quality for ecological health; measures Secchi depth at open water sampling site to monitor Lake Taupō's water clarity over time. They also collect water samples in the top 10 metres of lake to measure chlorophyll a, total phosphorus and total nitrogen. Water quality for human contact recreation; bacteria levels (E. coli) in the water at a number of sites around the edge of Lake Taupō. https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/environment/natural-resources/water/lakes/lake-taupo/lake-taupos-water-quality/ or contact WRC’s Lakes Scientist/Programme Manager - Science & Strategy Directorate
SOE WAIKATO REGION 2022 State of the Environment 2022 | Waikato Regional Council
WATER QUALITY OF LAKE TAUPŌ & ITS CATCHMENT 1973-2020 Water quality of Lake Taupō and its catchment to 2020 (waikatoregion.govt.nz)
FRESHWATER FOR LIFE offers ‘independent honesty into freshwater environmental reporting in New Zealand’: https://waterqualitynz.info/
TOI TE ORA PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATES: 31 March 2022 Health warnings issued for Lake Rotorua and the Ohau Channel earlier this month have now been lifted by the local Medical Officer of Health. Email alerts for subscribers: www.toiteora.govt.nz/news
ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS
ADVOCATES FOR THE TONGARIRO RIVER – Contact: secretary@tongariroriver.org.nz and check out their website https://www.tongariroriver.org.nz/ One of the aims of the Advocates for the Tongariro River is to build widespread public awareness and support for affirmative action on key issues affecting the Tongariro River and its environment. All welcome.
LAKES WATER QUALITY SOC. ‘Te Kahui Kounga Wai’ – Taking care of the Rotorua Lakes–https://lakeswaterquality.co.nz/ The Society is a community organisation that works on behalf of the whole Rotorua Community and many outside of Rotorua to ensure that lakes remain or are restored to a high quality.
The Society is a community organisation that works on behalf of the whole Rotorua Community and many outside of Rotorua to ensure that lakes remain or are restored to a high quality. secretary@lakeswaterquality.co.nz
DOC/TONGARIRO NATIONAL TROUT CENTRE Taupō for Tomorrow education programme website: www.taupofortomorrow.co.nz no longer being funded so school educational opportunities limited.
Take part in events run by the Department of Conservation, local businesses, and community groups during
Sign up for ‘What’s Up DOC?” newsletter for national projects and resources online.
MAHI AROHA SUMMER PROGRAMME CENTRAL NTH IS (See Project Tongariro below)
TREES THAT COUNT (Project Crimson affiliated) A digital marketplace connecting native tree planters with funders and counting trees. From their website: By counting the trees we all plant, we can measure our collective impact on climate change and improve our environment. As they grow, these native trees will help to remove about 2,498,207 tonnes of carbon from our atmosphere. Link to newsletter and other info here: https://www.treesthatcount.co.nz/
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
NATIONAL WETLAND TRUST http://www.wetlandtrust.org.nz a non-profit organisation established to increase the appreciation of wetlands and their values by all New Zealanders. The reserve between Hamilton and Te Awamutu is open to the public. Access is via double wooden gates off SH 3, between McFall and Jary Roads (left hand turn in and out only). The Trust is also keen to hear from willing volunteers.
PROJECT TONGARIRO: - Plenty of opportunities to get involved...check out their volunteer activities! shirley@tongariro.org.nz Contact Shirley if you would like to help our SMALL Wednesday weeders group.
To get involved check out - https://www.tongariro.org.nz/ for this season’s planting days or email: info@tongariro.org.nz p: +64 7 386 6499
Predator Free Taupō – see their Facebook page for information on what's happening here & elsewhere in New Zealand. If you are keen to become involved or wish to donate a trap or two to help protect Taupō's native flora and fauna contact them: info@tongariro.org.nz
Toyota Kiwi Guardians Lake Rotopounamu part of a nation-wide programme encouraging families to get out and explore our special places.
GREENING TAUPŌ – Planting Days here: https://www.greeningtaupo.org.nz/ for this season’s planting days or contact: Robyn Ellis, Greening Taupō Coordinator 027 628 8008 or e.mail info@greeningtaupo.org.nz Look out for details in The Taupō Times, on radio, at www.greeningtaupo.org.nz or contact info@greeningtaupo.org.nz.
EEC – TAUPO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION COLLABORATIVE aims to: COLLABORATE amongst local organisations for effective mahi; CONNECT to real life educational opportunities; EMPOWER students, teachers and communities; and DEVELOP rangatahi to be kaitiaki/stewards and decision makers. Many opportunities to connect! https://www.eectaupo.co.nz/
PWMT - Pukawa Wildlife Management Trust: set up to improve the birdlife in and around the Pukawa settlement on the southern shores of Lake Taupō. Contact Jean Stanley on 0274504982 or morepork02@gmail.com
FOREST & BIRD TAUPO BRANCH: Branch contact: Laura Dawson Phone 07 378 5975 Email laura@reap.org.nz or visit the website to get involved at: http://www.forestandbird.org.nz/branches/taupo
Forest & Bird in conjunction with DoC and Predator Free Taupō, project to clear the Opepe Reserve (on the Napier Taupo Road - 15 km out of town) of pests and bring back the birds. What is involved? - checking trap lines, emptying traps and re-setting them. If this appeals to you, please see: https://predatorfreetaupo.nz/ - click on Projects.
MOTUOAPA RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION – contact Larry Hadley (treasurer) to get involved and/or receive their newsletter troutnabout.nz@gmail.comLWQ Soc Rotorua Lakes –
Biodiversity crisis in New Zealand link: https://theconversation.com/despite-its-green-image-nz-has-worlds-highest-proportion-of-species-at-risk-116063
Lakes & Waterways website
Check it out & feedback (and pictures) welcome: www.lakesandwaterwaystaupo.org.nz
Freshwater for Life latest news
Conference presentations from Day 1 of the Beyond Growth Conference held in Wellington, September 2023
https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/BjgFOA5L-PJ6KSLqK.html
‘World scientists' warning: The behavioural crisis driving ecological overshoot’ – Dr Mike Joy, co-author
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00368504231201372
TAUPO CLIMATE CHANGE FORUM (TCAG) – local initiative
Creating a community for Taupō locals who advocate for climate change mitigation through a range of solutions such as minimising fossil fuel use, walking and cycling, reduced consumption, plastic free solutions, and waste minimization. We meet quarterly and get involved in a variety of initiatives including submission to Local and Central government, education, advocacy, and coordinating with like-minded groups.
Next Meeting Friday 9th August 1.30 pm upstairs at the Taupo Library
All welcome
Please contact Jane on janehadiadup@hotmail.com if you would like to be involved
TCAG is supporting is the 2nd Repair Cafe at the Taupo Time Bank/Community Garden at the Venture Centre Spa Road on August 10th.
All support welcome or bring your objects to repair - see link below.
Taupō Climate Action Group submitted on TDC’s Long Term Plan including the Bag it or Bin it question in support of food waste collection. They also commented that: ‘The draft LTP must give more priority to action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in all spending on essential infrastructure and through supporting economic development that is ‘climate-friendly’.’
This was in relation to: Taupō District Council Climate Change Strategy stating that: “Emissions reduction will be a focus for council’s next workplan (Long-term Plan 2024). We will identify a programme of investment across all of Council’s activities to reduce emissions in line with our emissions reduction targets”.
The 13 biggest environmental problems of 2022
According to Earth.Org, the 13 biggest environmental problems of 22 are:
1. Global warming from fossil fuels 2. Poor governance 3. Food waste 4. Biodiversity loss
5. Plastic pollution 6. Deforestation 7. Air pollution 8. Melting ice caps and sea level rise
9. Ocean acidification 10. Agriculture 11. Food and water insecurity 12. Fast fashion and textile waste
13. Overfishing
Stats NZ and Ministry for the Environment (MfE) released the latest instalment of reporting series that detail the state of New Zealand’s freshwater environment in ‘Our Freshwater 2023’
· 45 per cent of lake sites monitored for water quality worsened between 2011 and 2020, while 36 percent of sites improved, based on a nutrient and algae-level measure of ecosystem health
· Modelling shows efforts by farmers to reduce phosphorus and sediment reaching our rivers between 1995 and 2015. However, the number of farms grew and increased the total amount of nitrogen reaching rivers
· An estimated 45 per cent of total river length is not suitable for activities like swimming, as shown by campylobacter infection risk between 2016 and 2020
· Wastewater service providers reported 4,200+ overflows due to wet weather events, or blockages and failures during dry weather in the 12 months from mid 2020 to 2021
· 48 per cent of river network are at least partially inaccessible to migratory fish
· 68 per cent of freshwater native bird species were either threatened with extinction or at risk of becoming threatened in 2021
· 76 per cent of known indigenous freshwater fish species were threatened with extinction or at risk of becoming threatened in 2017.
WRC Freshwater Policy Review Update received 30/11/2022 (Abridged)
Tēnā koe, As you are aware, the Waikato Regional Council is making changes to its regional policy statement and regional plan. These changes are part of our Freshwater Policy Review, which is part of the council’s response to central government directions on how freshwater is managed in our region.
Policy development - Policy development is progressing and will consider the feedback we have received from our communities, stakeholders and tangata whenua, alongside science information about the state of waterways and trends across the region.
For information regarding the current state of freshwater within the Waikato region, please refer to Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA) - Waikato region) and the Waikato Regional Council environmental data hub (Environmental data hub | Waikato Regional Council).
Research to reveal effect of climate change on Waikato River - 02/10/23
The Waikato River is at the centre of a new multi-million-dollar programme aiming to reveal how increasing carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are affecting rivers and lakes – and what that means environmentally, economically, and socially. Lincoln Agritech is leading the new five-year, $10m research programme funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, studying how increasing CO2 is changing the water quality of the Waikato River.
The aim is to develop a model that predicts harmful algal blooms in freshwater systems and the effectiveness of preventative measures.
More here: https://lincolnagritech.co.nz/research-to-reveal-effect-of-climate-change-on-waikato-river/
On 22 July 2024, the daily global average temperature reached a new record high in the ERA5 dataset*, at 17.16°C. This exceeds the previous records of 17.09°C, set just one day before on 21 July 2024, and 17.08°C, set a year earlier on 6 July 2023
https://climate.copernicus.eu/new-record-daily-global-average-temperature-reached-july-2024
Freshwater Gold Clams
6th August interview with MPI's director of pest management John Walsh
https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/pests-and-threats/freshwater-pests/gold-clams/
Gold clams are a species of freshwater clam native to eastern Asia which have become an unwanted invasive species around the world. Biosecurity NZ (BNZ) is the lead agency in the early stages of an incursion response to the discovery of gold clams. DOC and stakeholders – including river iwi, Waikato Regional Council, Waikato River Authority, Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand, Mercury Energy, and others – are supporting BNZ as part of the response.
How can I help?
DOC supports Biosecurity NZ’s request for whitebaiters to fish in only one river. If fishers wish to move to another river, they should use different fishing gear (nets, screens, and spotterboards).
Fishing gear should be washed thoroughly then dried, and neoprene gear such as waders should be frozen to kill any larvae remaining in the residual water.
Check, Clean, Dry to help prevent the spread of freshwater pests
Check, Clean, Dry (external site) practices are more important than ever. The methodology has been updated for gold clam and is applicable around NZ. It is wise to stay within a single river system and work from upstream to downstream.
Gold clams found, Lake Taupō Aqua Park closed under biosecurity controls
RNZ March 29, (abridged)
Biosecurity New Zealand has temporarily closed a Taupō water park following the discovery of the invasive freshwater gold clam.
Gold clams, also known as Asian clams, were found in the Waikato River in May last year and have multiplied to cover a 99km stretch.
Biosecurity New Zealand staff spotted the freshwater gold clam when inspecting the water park lagoon following a positive environmental DNA test.
The lagoon at the Lake Taupō Aqua Park doesn't discharge water into any other body of water, including Lake Taupō and the Waikato River.
Because of this, the most likely way that clams could spread from the lagoon would be human activity, so temporarily closing the lagoon while they look at longer term options for dealing with the clams there is the best way to avoid this.
Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment review of freshwater models June 2024
In his latest report ‘A review of freshwater models used to support the regulation and management of water in New Zealand’, the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment reviewed how councils across New Zealand are using models in freshwater management. Water resource models that help predict freshwater quantity and quality are important tools for decision makers to make robust, evidence-based management decisions on issues such as contaminant discharges and water takes.
The report found that freshwater modelling in New Zealand is fragmented, under-resourced, under-supported and lacking leadership, with many gaps, overlaps, inefficiencies and inconsistencies in modelling between councils.
“When freshwater management was devolved to councils 30 years ago, central government failed to provide the support, coordination or guidance needed. Councils were largely left to and continue to rely on their own devices with modelling’”, the Commissioner, Hon Simon Upton, explained.
The report identified 75 freshwater models in use across the country, with much duplication and overlap between their uses. This array of options has created confusion and uncertainty for council staff when trying to determine the best model for their needs. Further, the report found that New Zealand’s modelling resource is dispersed and unevenly spread among regional councils, publicly funded research institutions and some businesses.
To address these issues, the Commissioner recommends several actions to improve freshwater modelling in New Zealand:
· The establishment of a national freshwater modelling support centre to provide guidance and practical advice to regional councils, unitary authorities and mana whenua.
· Further development of national guidance on the use of models in a regulatory context.
· The establishment of a rōpū of experts to support the development and implementation of Māori freshwater models.
· The evaluation of existing freshwater models against guidance.
· The development of a preferred suite of models adaptable to local circumstances.
The full report, as well as a summary for policymakers and StoryMap, is available on the PCE website.
WRC Policy Signals April newsletter: Update on national water services delivery policy
On 5 April 2024, the Government announced the first set of policies that will establish the Local Water Done Well framework and the transitional arrangements for the new water services system. The Government intends to introduce and pass legislation by mid-2024 that will establish the framework and transitional arrangements for the new water services system. This includes:
· Providing a framework for councils to self-determine future service delivery arrangements via a water services delivery plan (to be submitted within 12 months).
· Steps towards future economic regulation.
· Streamlining requirements for establishing council-controlled organisations under the Local Government Act to enable councils to start shifting the delivery of water services into more financially sustainable configurations, should they wish to do so.
· Providing technical and advisory support to Auckland Council to determine how they wish to create a financially sustainable model for Watercare.
In December 2024 the Government intends to introduce further legislation that will establish the enduring settings for the new system. This includes:
· Setting long-term requirements for financial sustainability.
· Providing for a range of structural and financing tools, including a new class of financially independent council controlled organisations.
· Considering the empowering legislation for Taumata Arowai to ensure the regulatory regime is efficient, effective, and fit-for-purpose, and standards are proportionate for different types of drinking water suppliers.
· Providing for a complete economic regulation regime to ensure consumers pay efficient cost-reflective prices for water services that are delivered to an acceptable quality and that water services providers are investing sufficiently in their infrastructure.
· Establishing regulatory backstop powers, to be used when required to ensure effective delivery of financially sustainable or safe water services.
Emissions reduction Plan
Following the release of the Government’s climate change strategy, consultation on New Zealand’s second emissions reduction plan opened on 18 July 2024.
Emissions reduction plans are produced every five years. The first emissions reduction plan was released in 2022, for the years 2022 to 2025. The Second Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP2) will outline the actions to reduce emissions in New Zealand during the second emissions budget period (2026 – 2030).
The Ministry for the Environment (MfE) is consulting on policy proposals and initiatives to inform the second emissions reduction plan. These proposals sit across the Government’s five priority areas and focus on key sectors: energy, transport, agriculture, forestry and waste.
The consultation document outlines seven key policies which the Government believes will have the greatest impact on reducing emissions. They are:
· Increasing renewable energy by reducing the consenting burden through Electrify NZ
· Targeting 10,000 public EV chargers by 2030
· Lowering agricultural emissions by giving farmers the tools to reduce emissions and through fair and sustainable pricing of on-farm agricultural emissions by 2030
· Investing in resource recovery through the Waste Minimisation Fund
· Improving organic waste and landfill gas capture
· Improving public transport
· Investigating carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS).
It also outlines other actions or initiatives that will help to reduce emissions. Additionally, the discussion document sets out how emissions pricing, and the NZ Emissions Trading Scheme in particular, will play a central role in the climate change response.
“The final Emissions Reduction Plan for the period 2026-2030 will be finalised by the end of this year after considering public feedback and advice from the Climate Change Commission,” Climate Change Minister Simon Watts said.
Consultation is open until 21 August 2024. MfE is also running a number of webinars and workshops in relation to the consultation, which are listed on the consultation page.
Climate Change Commission delivers first emissions reduction monitoring report
The first emissions reduction monitoring report from He Pou a Rangi Climate Change Commission shows that Aotearoa New Zealand is making progress but could still fall short of future emissions budgets, says Commission Chair Dr Rod Carr.